Tucson Polychrome was defined by Hayden (1957). This type appears to be the second most common decorated type in Salado period sites in Southwestern New Mexico and Southeastern Arizona (Franklin 1980; Wilson 1998). This type appears to have been produced from about A.D. 1275 to 1450.

Paste characteristics in examples of Tucson Polychrome from sites in western New Mexico reflect the use of high iron self-tempered clays with fine volcanic particles similar to that noted in locally made Salado Polychrome and Utility Ware types (Wilson 1998). Decorated surfaces are covered with a deep-red well-polished surface. Vessel forms are dominated by jars although bowls occur. Decorations are in a black mineral paint sometimes with broad line and hachured motifs that are outlined in thin white lines (Wilson 1998; Woods 1987). Other design elements may include stepped triangles, squares, frets, and dotted bands. The combination of these pigments over a dark red slip creates a dramatic tri-colored effect with strong and dramatic contrast between the dark slip and paint colors and white clay paint. While for late Salado assemblages, Maverick Mountain Polychrome is sometimes further distinguished from Tucson Polychrome based on the presence of hachured designs, pottery assigned to the two styles seem to represent variations of a single type.